“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” – Colossians 2:8-10
What is your favorite tradition in your home?
I remember when I was growing up, we would set up the Christmas decorations every year to the music of Amy Grant’s Christmas Album. Today, we may listen to other music as well, but you better believe that Amy Grant will be played as we set up the decorations in my house. It just feels more like Christmas.
Traditions – Good
Traditions can be very good things. They can create a sense of order and stability. They can help us to deepen family bonds or faith. They can unite a group of people who otherwise have little in common and even unite a people over centuries. Families, churches, and nations all create traditions for the benefit of their members and those traditions tend to be greatly cherished.
Like the song at the beginning of Fiddler on the Roof says, tradition gives us balance in life.
Traditions – Bad
Sometimes tradition, however, loses its meaning or becomes a burden. In this way, traditions can cease to be beneficial.
I remember the story of a young mother making a ham for Christmas. Her daughter was helping in the kitchen. The mother took out the ham and put it on a cutting board. She cut the ends off the ham, put it in a pot, and put the pot in the oven. Her daughter asked,
“Mommy, why do you cut the ends off the ham?”
The mother replied, “I don’t know. That’s how Grandma always did it.” So, they went into the other room and asked Grandma why she cut the ends off. She said that was just how her mom did it. So, they went over to Great-Grandma and ask, “Why did you cut the ends off the ham when making Christmas dinner?” Great-Grandma replied,
“Oh! Yes. I used to cut the ends off the ham because the pot I had was too small to fit the whole ham.”
God’s Word vs Human Tradition
Traditions in the church can be wonderful, meaningful, and uplifting. In our passage from Colossians, we’re reminded that human traditions are not God’s Word and should not be treated as such. While it is good for the church to have traditions, we need to be careful not to allow human traditions to become law that places an undo spiritual burden on people.
At the same time, we need to also be sensitive to the experiences of others. Just because a tradition isn’t meaningful to you, doesn’t mean it isn’t meaningful to others.
Old and New Traditions
Every now and then it’s good to take a look at our traditions and ask if they are still beneficial. In some cases, the tradition may still be good and should continue. In other cases, the tradition may have lost its meaning. It may still be good, but we may need to do a better job of teaching the meaning of the tradition. In some cases, the tradition may need to be lovingly ended and a new one begun.
What is your favorite tradition at church?
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the many traditions which help to bring meaning and depth to our faith and relationships. May we have traditions that create a sense of community and strengthen our faith and may we never make them a burden for others.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
If you’re interested, here’s the song from Fiddler on the Roof, Tradition!
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